LOCAL UPDATE. Noosa now has recorded 2,111 Covid cases in the latest outbreak, with 11,140 cases on the Sunshine Coast as well as 4 deaths. As we know, the real numbers are probably significantly higher as Covid races through our community.
On Monday, the Pharmacy Guild will launch its own website providing up-to-the-minute information on where people can purchase Rapid Home Tests after the national debacle of supply issues. We will share those details when we can.
Again, we ask everyone to think of the vulnerable in our community and wear a mask.
Double vaccination rates in Noosa are reasonably strong at 93.1%, but as the pandemic spreads quickly in our community, Queensland Health is stressing the need for boosters. Statistics released this week show unvaccinated residents are 24-times more likely to wind up in intensive car than those who have had booster shots.
Close to half of Australia’s Aged Care Nursing homes have been hit by covid, including some in the Noosa area, and many residents are yet to receive their booster shots.
Queensland Health asks people not to abuse the triple-0 emergency line, and to only use it for genuine emergencies.
From 1am Saturday 22 January, overseas travellers who are fully vaccinated can enter Queensland without needing to quarantine . Only a negative COVID-19 RAT is needed within 24 hours of arriving.
Anyone who isn't vaccinated will need to quarantine on arrival for 14 days in government-arranged accommodation.
The Queenalnd Government says "although we haven't reached 90% double dosed in Queensland yet, it's important to set a time and date to give airlines and incoming travellers certainty."
Once in Queensland, everyone will still need proof of vaccination to visit events and venues .
For those who manage to source rapid home covid tests, the Queensland Government has set up an online registration page and asks people to provide details if they test positive.
Most recent major sites of covid outbreaks in Noosa are;
NOMADS NOOSA YOUTH RESORT in Noosa Junction. (cluster of 50+)
PEREGIAN BEACH CAROLS EVENT held on December 22nd.(7 + cases)
ARCARE Aged care home in Ridgeview Drive, Peregian Springs has been placed in lock down after a food preparation worker tested positive, followed by a second person. All visits are cancelled, all clients will be isolated in their rooms and staff are working in full PPE.
NOOSA HEADS SURF CLUB closed temporarily after being declared a Covid contact exposure site.
The link below is to Queensland Health exposure sites for Queensland. We warn that this government list often takes a week or so to catch up with new outbreaks.
The mandatory 5-day covid test for interstate travellers to Queensland has been scrapped from December 28th but visitors should still get tested if they are suffering cold-like symptoms.
Below is a link to Noosa Council's list of updated covid information with details of where you can find testing sites or book vaccinations.
All testing centres reopened on Wednesday December 29th and the Noosa Leisure Centre will now be used for booster shots.
HASTINGS STREET WALK-IN.
There is a walk-in COVID testing clinic run by QML Pathology in the Police Beat building on Hastings Street.
Open 7 days, 9am - 12 noon
Walk in clinic, no pre-booking required.
Operating hours and duration of the clinic will be reviewed in early January.